The Illusion of Affordable Luxury
In a world where luxury seems increasingly accessible, the very essence of what luxury represents is being diluted. The allure of luxury lies in its exclusivity, its ability to distinguish itself from the ordinary, the mundane. Yet, the concept of "affordable luxury" attempts to bridge the gap between opulence and accessibility, blurring the lines of distinction.
Luxury fashion is not just about owning expensive items; it's about embodying a lifestyle, a status, a sense of privilege that sets one apart from the masses. From 2022 to 2023, the luxury fashion market has seen unprecedented growth, with sales soaring despite global economic uncertainties. According to a report by Bain & Company, the global luxury market rebounded strongly in 2021, with a projected growth of 12% to 14% from 2022 to 2025. [Source: [Bain & Company Luxury Market Report]
True luxury fashion brands understand this distinction, crafting meticulously designed pieces that epitomize sophistication and exclusivity. However, the rise of "affordable luxury" brands caters to a demographic that aspires to the trappings of luxury without the price tag. These brands capitalize on the psychological appeal of owning luxury items, offering a semblance of exclusivity at a fraction of the cost.
But can true luxury ever be truly affordable? The very essence of luxury lies in its scarcity, its unattainability to the masses. The resale market, on the other hand, offers a compromise. It provides access to coveted designer pieces at a reduced price, allowing individuals to indulge in luxury without the exorbitant cost. Even those who can afford luxury items may opt for vintage pieces, appreciating the history and uniqueness they embody.
For me, the distinction lies in curated collections of designer pieces that align more with the luxury resale market than with mass-produced "affordable luxury" brands. It's about cherishing quality over quantity, investing in pieces that transcend trends and retain their value over time.
In conclusion, the notion of affordable luxury in fashion is a paradox—a contradiction in terms. True luxury cannot be mass-produced or commodified; it is an experience, a lifestyle, a statement of individuality. As consumers, we must redefine our understanding of luxury, valuing craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity over accessibility and affordability.
Fashion Note.21
Fast fashion is a shady business that operates underneath the veil of cheap clothes.
Fast fashion has a business structure designed to minimize time and costs. It is a copy-and-paste formula designed to maximize profits. Such practices make it impossible to create original garments. Representatives, known as scouts, go undercover to various design houses to buy popular items to take to their company and "adapt" for their customers. Adaptation is another word for copying into a low-cost option with minimal differentiation.
Fast Fashion brands often claim it's difficult to follow fashion trends without copying them. However, Zara has been sued for plagiarism multiple times. After years of litigation, Rains won an infringement case against Zara in a Danish court over two signature designs. Despite this, the fast fashion industry remains unshaken.
Hardly surprising given that more than half of all posts on social media platforms such as Instagram are related to fashion and beauty. Clothes have become a significant part of people's identity. Manufacturers study our minds to learn how to target us through pricing. We tend to consume more when prices are low, and collections are "limited." As a result, companies are abandoning traditional marketing campaigns and focusing more on influencers to sell their products.
The textile industry is the second-largest polluter in the world after oil. The more commerce there is, the more pollution there is, especially without efficient water waste filtration and cleanup technology. Under pressure, the textile industry is trying to change by embracing green fashion. However, this is often a mass-market trend to convince consumers they are buying organic and sustainable by purchasing garments made from viscose, cheap artificial silk.
In truth, viscose is wood. The process of transforming wood into fabric requires large amounts of chemicals, including CS2, which is known to cause eye diseases, infertility, and other vascular problems.
Fibers used to make fast fashion garments are produced to break down quickly, resulting in clothes that become worn and unusable- in a short time. Some fast fashion items are so cheap that they cannot be sold secondhand and are either burned or end up in a landfill.
And so it goes.
The Black Female Dandy
Has Black Female Dandyism become a thing of the past?
As fashion trends move towards provocative styles reminiscent of the topless 1960s and the logo-heavy 1990s, the meticulously groomed woman seems to have lost her place.
Dandyism originated in the 1700s with Beau Brummell and evolved over the years. Currently, Dandism is all about sartorial finesse. However, black female dandyism draws inspiration from the refined style of influential black men during the Edwardian era, characterized by perfect tailoring and fit, minus the use of frills, lace, or other embellishments.
Despite cultural changes, the black female dandy is now an invisible voice in mainstream fashion. It could be intentional, as dandyism is not a passing fashion trend; but a way of life for those who revel in details. Nevertheless, the question persists: where have all the Dandy Lions gone?
Fashion Note.19
Slow fashion refers to clothing that is produced in a more sustainable, fair, and superior quality, which is in direct contrast to fast fashion.
Clothing produced at a slower pace has less environmental impact. Despite its benefits, the slow fashion business model is not as financially lucrative as the fast fashion approach, since stores that carry fewer new items generate lower revenue.
To cope with the pressures associated with fast fashion, some designers have adopted a slow fashion production cycle. They opt for the traditional spring/summer and fall/winter collections, with the occasional resort-wear collection or collaboration to reduce the mental and physical stress of keeping up with fast fashion.
Slow fashion encourages individuals to buy fewer clothes by acknowledging we already own what we "need." The concept of slow fashion recognizes that refraining from shopping is not a viable solution to the fashion industry's problems. Instead, it promotes a move towards a more circular economy as the way forward.